Kawai Japan is delighted to announce the CA99 and CA79, the latest high-performance additions to the popular Concert Artist series of premium digital pianos, and successors to the highly regarded CA98 and CA78.
These updated models incorporate the new Grand Feel III wooden-key keyboard action, delivering a firmer, faster, and even more grand piano-like touch feeling, while the improved SK-EX Rendering multi-channel sound engine features enhanced acoustic piano samples, with new Virtual Technician parameters to precisely control the attack, release, and sustain characteristics of each piano. The CA99 and CA79 retain the high fidelity audio processing, powerful amplification, and rich speaker delivery of their predecessors, while also introducing new speaker diffuser panels. These specially developed components expand the pianos' tonal projection in all directions, creating a 360° sound field that allows the instruments to sound natural for listeners everywhere in the room.
The CA99 and CA79 cheekblock touchscreen display features a brand new user interface that is optimised for pianists, while providing easy access to additional sounds and functions that inspire musical creativity. Kawai's redesigned communication standard allows this new user interface to also be accessed as an app for iOS and supported Android devices, with all settings and adjustments recalled automatically every time the instrument is powered on. Complementing this modern connectivity, the CA99 and CA79's Bluetooth Audio feature now supports the advanced aptX algorithm, allowing high quality audio to be streamed through the pianos' superb amplifier and speaker systems wirelessly, with minimal latency. Finally, the appearance of both instruments has been modernised for 2020, with the flagship CA99 adopting a contemporary upright piano-inspired cabinet design, which also incorporates Kawai's Soft Fall closing mechanism.
Main Features
- Brand new Grand Feel III wooden-key keyboard action
- Advanced SK-EX Rendering multi-channel piano sound engine
- Premium audio processing, conversion, and amplification technologies
- High performance 6-speaker delivery system with 360° diffuser panels
- Unique 3rd generation TwinDrive soundboard speaker (CA99 only)
- Integrated Bluetooth® MIDI and audio with low latency aptX support
- Modern 5″ LCD touchscreen display with intuitive swipe operation
- New communication system with dedicated Piano Remote iOS/Android app
- Flexible Virtual Technician function with 21 adjustable parameters
- Built-in Burgmüller, Czerny, Beyer, Chopin etudes and Alfred lesson songs
- Convenient WAV/MP3/MIDI file record and playback via USB memory
- Attractive cabinet designs available in wood grain and ebony polish finishes
Shigeru Kawai SK-EX concert grand piano reproduced with SK-EX Rendering sound technology
The magnificent tone of Kawai's flagship Shigeru Kawai SK-EX full concert grand piano is at the heart of the CA99 and CA79 digital pianos. Widely regarded as the 'premier pianos of Japan', Shigeru Kawai instruments grace the stages of concert halls and musical institutions throughout the world, and are prized for their tonal clarity and exceptional dynamic range.
In order to faithfully reproduce the stunning sound of a Shigeru digitally, Kawai has developed SK-EX Rendering – a piano-focussed sound engine that blends multi-channel, 88-key sampling with the latest resonance modelling technology. Multi-channel sampling captures the sound from different points of the Shigeru Kawai concert grand piano, allowing a broader range of tonal characteristics to be reproduced, and providing a more lively, authentic response to changes in dynamics. This naturally expressive sound is further enriched by advanced resonance algorithms, which physically model the complex tonal interactions produced by the strings, damper, and various other parts of an acoustic piano, giving players the impression that they're sitting at a living, breathing instrument.
Grand Feel III wooden-key action with Ebony & Ivory Touch key surfaces, counterweights, and 'Let-Off' mechanism
Articulating this beautiful SK-EX sound is the brand new Grand Feel III wooden-key keyboard action, which draws upon Kawai's 90+ years of acoustic piano craftsmanship to provide an exceptionally realistic playing experience. As with a grand piano, all of the Grand Feel III action's eighty-eight black and white keys are crafted entirely from long pieces of wood, and pivot on a central balance pin with a smooth, seesaw-like motion. This natural movement throws grade-weighted metal hammers located at the back of the keyboard, with their individual velocities precisely measured using triple-sensor technology for improved responsiveness and realism.
The Grand Feel III action's extended wooden keys also boast an extra-long pivot length – matching that of a Kawai acoustic grand piano. This provides a more consistent touch weight when playing towards the rear of the keyboard, while additional counterweights placed below each key help to further balance the weight of the action during pianissimo passages. Finally, the Grand Feel III keyboard action also features Kawai's Ebony & Ivory Touch key surfaces that gently absorb moisture to assist playing control, and possess a natural, matte finish that is smooth, but not slippery.
Premium audio processing, amplification, and speaker technologies
Developed in collaboration with Japan's leading premium audio equipment specialists, the CA99 and CA79 digital pianos utilise specialist components designed for high-end audio reproduction. With state of the art technologies such as 1-bit DSD processing, dual DAC signal conversion, and exclusive Onkyo DIDRC circuitry, the Concert Artists' optimised power amplifiers reproduce the Shigeru Kawai grand piano sound with stunning richness and clarity.
Both instruments feature powerful 6-speaker delivery systems that utilise premium driver units, and custom-engineered diffuser panels which help to expand the pianos' tonal projection in all directions. These additional components create a 360° sound field around the instrument, ensuring a natural piano sound for both the player, and for those listening elsewhere in the room. In addition to conventional speakers, the flagship CA99 also incorporates Kawai's latest TwinDrive soundboard speaker system. This unique acoustic projection technology harnesses transducer components to channel sound energy onto a real wooden soundboard, resulting in an even richer, more organic piano tone that faithfully reproduces the ambience of an acoustic piano.
The CA99 and CA79 also incorporate the high-performance Onkyo Discrete SpectraModule™ headphone amplifier, which combines with Kawai's Spatial Headphone Sound technology to ensure the finest quality and most engaging listening experience, even when playing in privacy.
Integrated Bluetooth® MIDI and Audio connectivity
In addition to standard USB and MIDI jacks for connecting to computers or other instruments, the CA99 and CA79 digital pianos also feature integrated Bluetooth® MIDI and Audio technology that allows these instruments to communicate with supported smart devices wirelessly. Once connected to a phone, tablet, or laptop, Concert Artist owners can enjoy a wide variety of exciting music-related apps that enhance their learning and playing experience, or stream high quality, low-latency aptX audio directly through the instruments' premium amplifier and speaker systems without the need for any cables.
Full-colour touchscreen display for intuitive, button-less operation
The CA99 and CA79 digital pianos feature a full-colour 5″ touchscreen display discreetly embedded within the instrument's left cheekblock. This high resolution touchscreen allows sounds and settings to be selected from an attractive user interface simply by tapping or swiping the display with a finger. This screen can also be set to turn off automatically while playing, thus preserving the instruments' acoustic piano-like appearance, and minimising any visual distraction to the performer. The latest Concert Artist instruments adopt a new communication system, allowing all functions of the piano to also be controlled via a dedicated app for iOS and Android, with settings and adjustments recalled automatically every time the instrument is powered on.
Modern cabinet designs, available in a choice of finishes
The CA99 and CA79 are housed within premium quality wooden cabinets, with tapered legs and rounded edge details contributing to the instruments' light and modern character. As the flagship model of the series, the CA99 adopts a contemporary upright piano-inspired cabinet design, featuring a broad, simulated-leather lined music rest and Kawai's Soft Fall closing mechanism. Both instruments are available in Premium Rosewood, Satin Black, and Satin White wood-grain finishes, as well as classic Ebony Polish, allowing musicians to coordinate their piano with a range of traditional or modern interiors.
Stunning multi-channel grand piano sounds, an ultra-realistic wooden-key keyboard action, premium audio, amplification, and speaker technologies, convenient Bluetooth connectivity, and a modern touchscreen interface.
Hear, Try and Compare the Kawai CA79 Digital Piano in our showroom
Located in Leicester in the central Midlands and close to Coventry, Nottingham, Derby, Birmingham and Warwick we promise you that a visit to our specialist Digital Piano and Keyboard showroom will not disappoint. Try the full Kawai range including the CA79 Digital Piano and compare it with
Yamaha, Roland, Casio and Korg all under one roof. Whatever your playing standard our knowledgeable and friendly experts will help guide you through the Piano buying process and make sure that you are buying the right instrument for your needs. As ex teachers we are ideally placed to advise and answer any questions you may have. Lifetime support and product tuition with ALL digital pianos.
Do you live with a 40 mile radius of Leicester?
If so then you qualify for Keysounds VIP delivery service. Our own van 2 man delivery goes beyond a standard delivery. With allocated time slots we can delivery at a convenient time for you. All new Pianos are delivered boxed and assembled at your home by our experts. We will also remove all packaging for recycling.
We sell Digital Pianos and Keyboards. That's it. Nothing else. No distractions and nothing to steal our focus.
Keyboard
・ Grand Feel III action
- 88 wooden keys
- Grade-weighted hammers
- Ivory Touch white key surfaces
- Ebony Touch black key surfaces
- Let-off simulation
- Triple sensor key detection
- 88-key Graded counterweights
Pedal
・ Grand Feel Pedal System
- Damper (with half-pedal support)
- Soft (with half-pedal support)
- Sostenuto
Piano Sound
・ SK-EX Rendering
- 88-key multi-channel sampling
- SK-EX recording
・ Harmonic Imaging XL (HI-XL)
- 88-key stereo sampling
- SK-EX, SK-5, EX recording
256 note maximum polyphony
Piano Resonance
・ SK-EX Rendering: Resonance Modelling
- Damper Resonance
- String Resonance
- Undamped String Resonance
- Aliquot Resonance
・ Harmonic Imaging XL: Acoustic Rendering
- Damper Resonance
- String Resonance
- Undamped String Resonance
- Cabinet Resonance
Piano Adjustment
・Virtual Technician (21 parameters)
- Touch Curve
- Voicing
- Damper Resonance
- Damper Noise
- String Resonance
- Undamped String Resonance
- Cabinet Resonance
- Key-off Effect
- Fall-back Noise
- Hammer Noise
- Hammer Delay
- Topboard Simulation
- Decay Time
- Release Time
- Minimum Touch
- Stretch Tuning
- Temperament
- Temperament Key
- Key Volume
- Half-Pedal Adjust
- Soft Pedal Depth
* Available parameters may vary depending on selected sound.
・Virtual Technician Smart Mode (10 presets)
No. of Sounds
SK-EX Rendering: 10 rendering characters
Harmonic Imaging: 66 voices
Reverb
SK-EX Rendering: Ambience (10 types)
Harmonic Imaging: Reverb (6 types)
Brilliance ✔
Other Effects
24 types
Speakers
13 cm x 2 (Onkyo woofers)
(8 x 12) cm x 2 (Onkyo top speakers, with diffusers)
5 cm x 2 (tweeters)
Output Power
100 W (50 W x 2)
Headphone Enhancements
Discrete SpectraModule™ headphone amplifier
Spatial Headphone Sound
Headphone Type
Headphone Amplifier
Display
5" LCD touchscreen (480 x 800 pixels)
Key Cover
Sliding type
Music Rest
Collapsible type (6 angle adjustability)
Dimensions
Width 145 cm (57)
Depth 47 cm (18")
Height 94 cm (37") [music rest flat]
Weight
76 kg (167 lbs.)
79 kg (174 lbs.) [Ebony Polish]
Available Finishes
Premium Satin Black (CA79B)
Premium Satin White (CA79W)
Premium Rosewood (CA79R)
Ebony Polish (CA79EP)
Basic Functions
Dual
Split
Four Hands
Transpose
Tuning
Favorite
Internal Songs
Sound Demo 37 songs
Piano Music 29/42 songs *
Concert Magic 176 songs
Lesson Songs
Burgmüller 25 (25 Etudes Faciles, Opus 100)
Czerny 30 (Etudes de Mécanisme, Opus 849)
Czerny 100 (Hundert Übungsstücke, Opus 139)
Beyer 106 (Vorschule im Klavierspiel, Opus 101)
J.S. Bach: Inventionen
Sonatinen Album 1
Chopin Walzer (Chopin waltzes series)
Chopin Etudes (Opus 10)
Alfred's Premier Piano Course Lesson 1A
Alfred's Premier Piano Course Lesson 1B
Alfred's Basic Piano Library Lesson Book Level 1A
Alfred's Basic Piano Library Lesson Book Level 1B
Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course Lesson Book Level 1
Internal Recorder
Total Memory
approximately 90,000 notes
No. of Songs
10 songs
Parts
2 parts
Metronome
Time Signatures
1/4, 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 5/4, 3/8, 6/8, 7/8, 9/8, 12/8
Drum Rhythms
100 patterns
Bluetooth *
Bluetooth (Ver. 4.1; GATT compatible)
Bluetooth Low Energy MIDI Specification compliant
Bluetooth Audio with aptX support
USB Audio Recorder
Record/Playback
MP3
WAV
SMF
Other Functions
Overdubbing
Line In recording
App Functions
TBC
Connector Jacks
Headphone
1 x 1/4", 1 x 1/8" Stereo jacks
MIDI
MIDI IN, MIDI OUT
Line Out
1/4" L/MONO, R [unbalanced]
Line In
1/8" Stereo (with volume adjust knob) [unbalanced]
USB to Host ✔
USB to Device ✔
Others -
Power Consumption
55 W
Power
Power cable
Headphones
Headphone hook
Sheet Music
Classical Piano Collection *
Classical Lesson Scores *
Finger Exercises
Others
Warranty Card *
Owner's Manual
Internal Song Lists
* Depending on market location. Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Keysound reviews
Kawai CN301-B Piano
Very knowledgeable and helpful to make sure we got the correct piano for us
Yamaha Genos 2XL Keyboard
Steve and his staff were excellent. They spent a lot of time explaining and demonstrating various digital pianos and keyboards. After a few days deliberating I chose a different option to what I had set out to buy. The knowledge and service was second to none and inspired me to become a better player. I am very pleased with my purchase and looking forward to many hours of keyboard playing. Thank you
Roland HP702-CH Piano
I am so pleased I chose to visit Keysound Hinckley and purchase my new piano from them!!
I went in store to browse as I haven't bought a new piano in about 15 years, and the person who helped me (Sorry, I didn't get his name!) was so so helpful and knowledgable. I purchased my piano and within a week got the call to arrange delivery the following weekend!
The piano is amazing, but unfortunately has an issue with one of the keys. And rather than sending someone over to fix it, the manager called me yesterday to say they'll arrange for the piano to be replaced with a new one!! He said he would be happy if a brand new piano already had an issue, so he'd rather I have a brand new one. Honestly, couldn't ask for better service and nicer people :) Thank you so so much.
Roland HP704-DR Piano
Good customer service from staff who knew their product. Plenty of time given for testing each instrument and making up mind.
Yamaha Pre-Owned P515-B Piano
Keysounds service was absolutely Fantastic, I can not rate them highly enough. The Piano I really wanted was unfortunately discontinued, they called me to explain in person and then managed not only find a preowned one that was in brand new condition but they found all the correct packaging so when I received it I thought it was actually brand new! That showed a level of care and customer service I haven’t seen for years! They also immediately refunded a portion of the cost which was a bonus as I could then buy the stool l wanted ( not from Keysounds )
If all companies delivered care & Service like Keysounds it would be a far better Country for everyone! Well done
Yamaha Genos2 Keyboard
Excellent service would highly recommend. I have purchased several keyboards from keysounds. All staff are very knowledgeable and very helpful. Will talk you through any problems in finding things in a new keyboard and lots of patience.. would not shop anywhere else.
Roland HP704-DR Piano
There was no pressure, neither did we feel pushed to buy the most expensive choice.
The sa;salesman was also knowledgeable and enthusiastic.
We felt listened to and in safe hands.
Yamaha CLP775-B Piano
Very helpful visit to the store allowed the chance to play digital pianos from all leading manufacturers, as well as discussions with staff. When we settled on a product delivery was quick and full installation carried out by Keysound's team. Very happy to support a local retailer that provides such excellent service.
Roland HP704-DR Piano
Thank you for your patient introduction, my children love their new piano .
Yamaha Genos 2 Keyboard
From initial enquiry, to purchase and delivery excellent. Very informative and supportive.
Yamaha Pre-Owned Genos XL Keyboard
A very delightful experience from beginning to Now ( I can't put end, because it is on-going !!).
Steve & the Team are very knowledgeable and always on the end of the phone, if you need their help.
A great range of displayed Pianos & Keyboards.
You do not get this level of experience, anywhere else around for miles.
A BIG thank you for your care and guidance through this journey.
Kawai CN301-B Piano
The staff have great knowledge and a great selection of pianos to try out. Very friendly and understanding of what you are looking for
Yamaha Pre-Owned Genos XL Keyboard
Knowledgeable staff and excellent advice
Casio PXS1100-B Piano
Very good helpful service. My son is very happy with his piano thanks very much.
Roland HP702-W Piano
A personal, face to face with a knowledgeable member of staff is a valuable selling tool and service provided by Keysound.
Yamaha Genos 2XL Keyboard
You could easily double the five stars.Amazing service from initial enquiry to the friendly and knowledgeable installation by Ria.l would have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone who wishes to purchase a keyboard.
Korg PA1000 Keyboard
Steve and Brandon went above and beyond to help me. Their customer service is impeccable; they are friendly and extremely knowledgeable. In a world where no one seems to care about customer service anymore, KEY SOUND is the exception. I recommend them to anyone who wants to buy a keyboard or electric piano.
Thank you both so much!
Korg Ultimate Bonus USB Accessories
Goede en snelle service hopelijk komen en nog meer sets van Pete via jullie beschikbaar.
Korg Ultimate Bonus USB Accessories
Wonderful team Keysounds- if your stuck or need help on the instrument or anything you can just ring them and you have a superb personal service ,cannot fault them .i have just purchased the Pete Shaw usb songbook plus the existing songbook stays so lots to choose and it really has enhanced the songbook, although its a considered purchase I am glad I went for it so thank you Pete for your work on it...
Yamaha Pre-Owned PSRSX900 Keyboard
Well done to all at Key Sound, they were so helpful in choosing and explaining my keyboard. It was a enjoyable experience. They even downloaded all relevant music for me.